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Village Taqueria & Tequila Bar (Smyrna)

After a Village feast of plantains, Veracruz shrimp, guava flan and more, we don't think we'll be regressing to our Doritos Loco days of yore any time soon. Our eyes have seen the light, and it's called a bar stocked with 130 different tequilas.

The taqueria formerly known as Lime now goes by a new name, but the margaritas and tamales at this Smyrna joint (located at 285 and South Atlanta Road) smell just as sweet. Village Taqueria still has the fun, breezy atmosphere, the fresh and festive drinks, and the truly flavorful dishes that haven't been gringo-ized beyond recognition. And after talking with Kristine, the general manager, it's clear that she takes pride in the fact that Village Taqueria isn't your typical enchilada joint—no "Combination J" plates of refried beans and nuked burritos here. Then again, that was pretty obvious from the moment we walked in the door and took in the giant lime wedges scattered about, the massive yellow decorative skull and the bar, and a gleaming cornucopia of imbibables stocked with 130 varieties of tequila. Between the caterpillars and the skulls, you may not know which tequila to try first. We'd tell, but wouldn't that spoil the fun?

Village Taqueria's punchy cocktails and fresh-squeezed margaritas are delicious enough, but the food is equally creative and fresh. In other words, it's not just something required in order to prep your stomach for 'rita consumption. With inspirations drawn from many different regions in Mexico and given a modern American twist by Chef Oscar, the menu is a glorious hodgepodge of flavors. Options worthy of a second helping include the Veracruz (grilled jumbo shrimp on spaghetti squash), the in-house tamales, puerco a la Michoacana (braised pork with plantains) and a fiery lobster burrito. Note: while Atlanta is graced with warm weather, these dishes are best enjoyed out on Village's patio, margarita in hand. Suntan optional. And to those subpar Tex-Mex joints of yore? After this feast, we don't think we'll be missing 'em much. Our eyes have seen the light—and it's called guava flan.